How to Calculate Fractions
Working with fractions involves understanding how to handle the numerator (top number) and the denominator (bottom number). The rules change depending on whether you are adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
1. Adding Fractions
To add fractions, you must first find a common denominator. Once the bottom numbers are the same, you simply add the top numbers.
a/b + c/d = (ad + bc) / bd
2. Subtracting Fractions
Similar to addition, subtraction requires a common denominator. Once established, subtract the second numerator from the first.
a/b - c/d = (ad - bc) / bd
3. Multiplying Fractions
Multiplication is straightforward: multiply the numerators together to get the new numerator, and multiply the denominators together to get the new denominator.
a/b × c/d = (ac) / (bd)
4. Dividing Fractions
To divide, you multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal (flip) of the second fraction. This is often remembered by the phrase "Keep, Change, Flip."
a/b ÷ c/d = a/b × d/c = (ad) / (bc)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Enter First Fraction: Input the numerator and denominator for the first value.
- Select Operator: Choose Add (+), Subtract (-), Multiply (×), or Divide (÷).
- Enter Second Fraction: Input the numerator and denominator for the second value.
- View Result: The calculator automatically simplifies the resulting fraction (e.g., reducing 2/4 to 1/2) and provides the decimal equivalent.